More than nine out of 10 women in a north-eastern region of Ethiopia experience one of the most brutal forms of genital mutilation/cutting (FGM), although reproductive health education is slowly reducing its prevalence, a survey has found.
The region has a 91% prevalence of the practice, according to Ethiopia's 2005 Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). The eastern Somali region has the highest prevalence (97.3%), while the survey projected the national rate at 73.3%.
Use Ahmed, 45, from Awash in southern Afar, said: "This cut is one of the most horrible things done to a human being - I still suffer from it. But how can we stop it when it is our culture?"
The cut involves infibulation, or Type III FGM, in Afar. The process involves the removal of the external genitalia and then sealing, just leaving a small opening for menstrual blood. CARE Ethiopia is partnering former traditional circumcisers to help raise awareness of FGM-related effects.
Women are given the skills to run other small businesses and are trained in reproductive health.
FGM poses immediate risks such as shock, infection and severe blood loss, but also longer-term issues including infections of the reproductive and urinary tracts, infertility and a number of obstetric complications, like death of the baby and postpartum haemorrhage.
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